Seeing a whale or dolphin in the wild is one of life's ultimate must dos.
\n\nAustralia and New Zealand present two of the best locations for you to whale watch and dolphin watch, with our whale watching tours and dolphin tours, some of the best on offer!
\n\nSpot orcas off the coast of New Zealand on a whale watching tour from Auckland, kayak alongside bottlenose dolphins in Byron Bay or look out for Humpback whales on a highspeed tour from Sydney.
\n\nWhatever you do, you'll remember it for the rest of your life!
\n\nCheck out our deals on dolphin and whale watching below
","image_title":"Best Whale and Dolphin Watching","image_alt":"Best Deal Whale and Dolphin Watching","image_description":"Best prices Whales and Dolphins Watching","updated_at":"2026-04-04T10:37:03+11:00","subheader":"Whale watching tours - the experience of a lifetime!"},"landing_page_footer":{"image":"","header":"Whale watch & dolphin watch tips","teaser":"Undeniably one of the most incredible experiences you can have with nature, a whale watching tour or dolphin watching tour is a breathtaking experience for nature lovers of all ages.
\n
\nWhen responsibly conducted, eco-tours play a huge role in educating and inspiring humans to act and behave in ways that help preserve and protect whales, dolphins and other marine life and their natural environment.
\n
\nWe've compiled this comprehensive list of whale watching and dolphin watching tips to ensure your experience is as eco-conscious as possible!
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\n1. Find a responsible operator
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\nWe only work alongside whale watch and dolphin watch operators who are as passionate about protecting these beautiful creators as we are.
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\nNot only do they stick to local guidelines, whale watching and dolphin watching tours are also lead by knowledgeable crew, who prioritise education over sensation.
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\nThis means they prioritise letting the whales and dolphins decide what happens by not forcing interactions and keeping a respectful distance from the species.
\n
\nWhale watching Gold Coast specialists, Cooly Eco Adventures, are on of these responsible operators, with a mission to be the most environmentally conscious, informative and fun seafaring adventure company in Australia with their experiences...including swim with whales!
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2. How to take precautions when on a tour where you get to swim with whales/dolphins
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\nThis all depends on the experience - including the location and the operator.
\n
\nOn this swim with whales Gold Coast experience, there are rules and regulations to follow in regard to watching and swimming with whales. For example, the operator must stay at least 100m from a whale and allow a 30m approach for swimming. Luckily though, the whales never get a copy of these regulations, so if they want to come to you, which they often do, that’s fine!
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\nOther precautions include not touching the whales, not swimming 'at' the whales but rather 'with' them...especially mother whales and their calves.
Also, know your limitations. If you're not confident in your swimming ability, you may want to consider partaking in a whale watching experience...rather than swimming with whales.
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3. What to wear
\n\nAs whale watching and dolphin experiences generally occure during the cooler seasons, be sure to dress accordingly. Make sure you wear multiple layers as it gets a lot colder out on the water, for example: Aong sleeve shirt, a jumper and a jacket. Be sure to take sun protection as well...including a hat, suncream and sunglasses!
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4. Prepare for motion sickness
\n\nSeasickness is a common disturbance of the inner ear - affecting your sense of balance and equilibrium. If you think you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness, consult your doctor or pharmacist and bring along your own seasickness tablets prior to embarking on a whale watching tour or dolphin watching tour. If you forget, some operators have seasickness tablets available for purchase.
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5. Best times to go whale and dolphin watching
\n\nThis all depends on the location. Generally speaking, the cooler months are when whales begin their migratory journey. For Australia and New Zealand, whale watching season typically runs from June to October, while in America, March through May is the ideal time to observe infant gray whales, while the largest living creature on earth—the blue whale—is likely to make an appearance between May and October.
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\nWhat is the best time of day to see whales and dolphins?
Due to factors like less wind resulting in smoother, calmer seas, the morning generally presents the best ocean conditions for spotting whales and dolphins. When conditions are 'calm' or 'flat', it makes it easier to spot these beautiful creatures from a distance, with more opportunity to see a fin, fluke, or flop of a whale from a distance.
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\nDo you get wet while whale watching?
Seeing as though you'll be out in open water - yes, there is a chance of getting wet while whale watching.
\n\nOcean spray is inevitable, so to keep yourself warm and dry, wear a waterproof jacket with a hood and layer up!
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\nWhen can you see whales in Australia?
At the tail-end of summer, so around February/March, whales begin the long journey north from Antarctica to warmer waters for their breeding and birthing season. Usually between May and November, you can spot southern right whales journeying to the temperate breeding waters off South Australia and Victoria, while humpback whales continue north to the Great Barrier Reef orcas congregate off the southern coast of Western Australia.
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\nWhere are the best places for dolphin watching?
Port Stephens in Australia, Auckland in New Zealand and Oahu in Hawaii are three of the best places to spot dolphins in the wild.
\n\nPort Stephens' rocky coastal headlands and long white beaches provide ideal vantage points to spot just some of the 140+ bottlenose dolphins that call the region, home.
\n\nOver in Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf or T\u012bkapa Moana is the expanse of water bounded by Auckland coastline, the Coromandel Peninsula, the Hauraki Plains and Aotea/Great Barrier Island.
\n\nCovering over 1.2 million hectares, this is one of the most abundant and diverse marine parks in the world with over 25% of the Southern Hemisphere’s marine mammals having been seen in the Marine Park...including hundreds of dolphins.
\n\nWhile in Oahu, there’s always a chance you’ll see a pod of dolphins while playing in the ocean - with spinner, bottlenose, spotted and rough-toothed dolphins known to frequent the area.
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What should you not do around dolphins?
\n\nBoth humans and dolphins are mammals and although sea water acts as an effective disinfectant, interaction with wild dolphins may result in disease transfer. Understandably, this may present serious health threats to dolphins and humans alike.
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\nHave more questions? Our team is here to help! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US.
Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
\r\n\tSwim with wild Bottlenose dolphins in Port Stephens
\r\n\tSpend 2 hours cruising the spectacular headlands & eastern harbour
\r\n\tRelax onboard a twin-level catamaran with walk-around decks
\r\n\tLicensed bar and snack food available
\r\n\tRide, splash and slide on the fantastic waterslide
\r\n\tEnjoy the live, informative commentary from your experienced Captain
\r\n\tGet up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
\r\n\tA 1 hr 30 min dolphin-spotting cruise off the coast of Port Stephens
\r\n\tAccess to a fully licensed onboard bar for drink purchases while you cruise
\r\n\tLive, informative, & fun Captain’s commentary
\r\n\tA free return cruise if no dolphins are sighted (conditions apply)
\r\n\tVessel departs from either Dock C, d’Albora Marine OR Wharf 1, Cruise Passenger Terminal. Please check you booking confirmation for your vessel & departure information
\r\n\tGet up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
\r\n\tSpend the day swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef
\r\n\tA fantastic crew of the world's leading whale shark swim team to guide you throughout the day
\r\n\tAn unforgettable day onboard a spacious and stable vessel
\r\n\tA free video of your whale shark swim tour by professional videographer
\r\n\tQuality service and handy tips to maximise your time spent with the Ningaloo whale Sharks
\r\n\tMorning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments throughout the day
\r\n\tCelebrational glass of sparkling wine or light beer to end your adventure
\r\n\tA pre-whale shark snorkel lesson for everyone
\r\n\tNote: Tour is on a request basis - you will be contacted within 24 hours by the operator with regards to confirmation
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Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us!
\r\n\tAll safety gear and equipment including life jackets, wetsuits, and helmets
\r\n\tExclusive access to tour photos on Cape Byron Bay Kayak's Facebook page
\r\n\tComplimentary Tim Tams for you to snack on
\r\n\tAccess to Cape Byron Headland National Park
\r\n\tSpot whales - whale season May - Nov
\r\n\tDolphin guarantee - if you don't see a dolphin you can come again for free
\r\n\tThis is the original Byron Bay Dolphin Kayak tour.
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Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
\r\n\t2-hour scenic whale watching cruise to explore the coast from Ballina to Byron Bay
\r\n\tSpot majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the East Coast of Australia
\r\n\tCruise the pristine waters of Cape Byron Marine Park
\r\n\tMarine Biologist guide to share knowledge on the local wildlife & ecosystem
\r\n\tFree professional photos to remember your incredible experience
\r\n\tOpportunity to spot other local wildlife including birds, dolphins & turtles
\r\n\tWhale sightings guaranteed or return for free
\r\n\tGet up to 10% cash back when you book with us
\r\n\tEnjoy the breathtaking views of Mandurah's waterways, canals, and estuaries
\r\n\tLook out for playful dolphins and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat
\r\n\tMarvel at the impressive Giant sculpture by renowned artist Thomas Dambo
\r\n\tSee the 4th Giant, 'Seba's Song', from an exclusive view not possible from land
\r\n\tPerfect for all ages, offering an engaging and educational experience for kids and adults alike
\r\n\tChance to spot one of Mandurah's Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins
\r\n\tEnjoy a fish-and-chip lunch from Mandurah's famous Cicerello's Restaurant
\r\n\tTravel through Mandurah's unique canals, famed for their luxurious homes
\r\n\tRelax on a spacious, comfortable vessel with ample seating and amenities
\r\n\t